Local news: Pub to raise flood relief funds on Australia Day

Collections will start on January 26, the Australian National Day of Celebration, and will continue at the Bath Street premises until the pub's annual Iron Man fun run on January 29.

The Espy's Australian owner, Amanda Caygill, said people could donate at collection buckets which will be stationed both inside and outside the pub.

Pupils build up to finals

Pupils from Balerno High, Merchiston Castle, Stewart's Melville and George Heriots have made the finals of this year's Construction and the Built Environment Challenge.

S2 pupils from ten schools will now battle to be crowned 2010 champions at the Corn Exchange on January 20.

Fairytales will teach Burns to children

YOUNGSTERS will be treated to a morning of Scottish fairytales as part of an event celebrating Robert Burns.

Tiny Tales: Burns will take place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on January 25 at 10am and 11.30am.

The event, with storyteller Sylvia Troon, is aimed at children aged six months to three years. Tickets cost 5 per child and are available at the centre. Accompanying adults go free.

Authors to discuss their work

AUTHORS Sophie Cooke and Kirsten Tranter will discuss their work with Roland Gulliver, programme manager of the Book Festival at the Central Library.

To book for the free event next Thursday, phone 0131-242 8100 or e-mail [email protected].

Cunning show from RSAMD

THE Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) will put on a performance of The Cunning Little Vixen at the Festival Theatre later this month.

The show will take place on Thursday 27 and Saturday 29 January at 7.15pm.

Tickets range in price from 14.00 to 22.00.

Last call for would-be politicians

A FINAL plea has been issued to youngsters interested in standing for the Scottish Youth Parliament, with time running out for those interested in applying.

The deadline for would-be politicians closes on January 21 for the Edinburgh-based set-up.

A spokesman said: "The SYP needs passionate, driven, change-making young people, who aren't scared to get their hands dirty and shout about the things they believe in."

To apply, visit www.syp.org.uk.